Have you ever wondered how dancers know where to go? Of course they’re told the general guidelines in dance classes, but the picture above explains it in even more detail. All dancers are expected to know, understand, and follow the information shown, so please spend a few moments studying it. Just like the song from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers says, gentlemen definitely impress their partners with their dance floor etiquette! Although a busy dance floor looks chaotic, it is in fact quite organized.

Following the flow of traffic on the dance floor eliminates collisions, just like on the road, air, or sea. No one wants to be trampled, and everyone wants their own space in which to safely dance. Partner dances that progress ALWAYS dance counter clockwise around the perimeter of the floor, and line dancers ALWAYS dance in the middle of the floor. Thus, both can dance simultaneously, and safely. The main thing to remember is to mind the DJ, who truly is the MC of a dance. If the DJ calls a couples dance, then the couples have the right of way, and line dancers are welcome to dance in “their area” in the middle, but must be EXTRA sensitive to the couples rotating around them, and stay out of their way. Likewise, the reverse is true. When we all share the dance floor and dance in our areas, everyone feels like they have space.

At some dances, only line dances are called, and at others, only couples dances are. In those cases, the guidelines are much more simplified. BOTH types of dancing can occur simultaneously on the same floor if we pay attention, are courteous, and follow the guidelines presented.

Enjoy, and happy dancing! See you tonight dancing at the Geneva American Legion!

DANCE DETAILS:

We’ll be dancing at the Wheaton VFW every Tuesday from now on EXCEPT JANUARY 24th. The Wheaton VFW had a schedule conflict, so we’ll be dancing at the WEST CHICAGO AMERICAN LEGION on JANUARY 24th, 123 MAIN ST. IN WEST CHICAGO from 7-10 pm. It’s a huge hall! Visit the Upcoming Events page of my website for a full list of where to Dance With Janet

Have you “LIKED” my Dance With JanetFacebook page, along with the OVER 17,000 fans who have? Pop on over to www.facebook.com/dancewithjanet and click the “LIKE” button to keep up on what’s new! All the photos from dances are posted to my Facebook page, as well as the PHOTOS tab of my website

CLASS CHANGES:

The BEGINNER DROP-IN CLASS at the Izaak Walton Center (899 Jay Street in Elgin, $7) will resume on JANUARY 24th and run on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month

The “brain cramper” intermediate line dance lessons BEFORE the dances on Tuesday has resumed I’ll be teaching BANJO on 1/17 and ASKIN’ QUESTIONS on 1/24 & 1/31

Are you digging my purple dance boots like I am?
Dance boots and other dance shoes by SwayD are super comfortable and can be found HERE

Click HERE for dance socks that go over your current shoes so you can turn better

LOOKING FOR BOOTS?

Check out Alcala's Western Wear in Chicago. You may even get the chance to dance with the sales associate who is helping you.

Are You A Fan Of Lynn Card's Dances? Feel Free To Visit Line Dance With Lynn For More Dances That She Has Choreographed!

Line Dancing at The Holmstad Retirement Community in Batavia

"I am so happy we all dance together. You have given me an opportunity to do something I love. I will be forever in debt to you for that! I feel happy when I am dancing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you again for all you do!!!"

Barb H.

"Have such fun in your class. You really do set the tone.. You are always upbeat, with a smile, and make it fun for all of us no matter how many left feet we have. Thanks for making this a welcoming, energetic, community experience." -Joan C.

"The way you teach is so clear and concise that any dancer would be comfortable learning from you!"

-Susanna H.

"I couldn't be happier with your lessons/parties in Warrenville + your website is A++++...I'll continue to come to the Warrenville dance parties since I love that venue and can learn the lessons that are taught." -Mary F.

"You have created such a wonderful community within the dance world - thanks for welcoming me - and everybody - with such warmth and enthusiasm. Great attitudes within a community start at the top and your kindness and openness make it easy for everyone to ‘play well together’ and be super supportive of each other." -Carol H.

"Thank you Janet...you're the best and I too am enjoying this new adventure of taking dance lessons. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I am truly blessed in many ways having you as our instructor." -Darlene H.

"You are fabulous. Keep up the good work." -Susan S.

"Met you at the Cadillac Ranch. Love your classes. Thanks!"

-Lisajoy Y.

"You are a gift to anyone you meet. Your joy of dancing is your ministry - thank you for sharing it so fearlessly!" -Nancy A.

"Thanks for being such a great teacher and for the support that you give me throughout the year! I really enjoy working with you!"